Training

What We Teach

AASB knows there are many reasons school board members should take advantage of training. Providing school board leaders with quality training is
a key tenet of the Alabama Association of School Boards' mission statement. In 1986, the association founded what has become an award-winning "school
for school board members" that offers coursework throughout the year in face-to-face sessions and 24 hours a day through School Board U leadership development portal.

AASB's training year begins July 1 and ends June 30 (view upcoming events). All year long, expert trainers – at the request
of school boards looking for customized sessions – take training on the road. The training can be for an individual school board, clusters of school
boards or for large audiences at conferences and an annual convention. AASB also hosts workshops in regions of the state and offers training during
meetings in each of its nine districts. The goal is to provide high-level, research-based training in an economical
and convenient way.

Note: The state requires public officials to take ethics at least once. AASB's session on ethics, which is part of the Roles and
Responsibilities Orienation, meets this requirement.

Effective boards and Relationships Orientation

Leadership for Policy and Planning

Leadership for Financial Accountability

Leadership to Create the Optimal Learning Environment

Leadership for Academic Achievement

Leadership for Developing Highly Effective Staff

Leadership for Community Engagement

Interactive, Whole Board Training

Become an even more effective board with AASB's interactive, whole board training program. Research is
clear that the most effective training occurs when all members of a school board learn and interact as a team. AASB's standard and customized
training sessions allow the whole board to come together and focus on a particular area of need. In these sessions, members can discuss their
system's specific situation, ask questions and develop plans for improving performance. Some sessions are free with AASB membership. Reasonable
fees are charged for the others. There may be a fee for mileage. Discounts are available when boards contract for multiple sessions. At least two
of the six state-required school board member continuing education hours must be earned as a whole board. Download the brochure,
request whole board training, or call Leadership Development at 334-277-9700 to learn more.

Face-to-Face Training

Each year, in addition to the core academy courses taught, AASB hosts statewide events that keep members up-to-date on timely public education topics.
Learning alongside colleagues from across the state has distinct advantages. There are opportunities to network, share ideas, ask questions, mentor
and be mentored and build lasting connections with school board members from urban, rural, large and small school systems. Attendees have the
pleasure of meeting and interacting with nationally renowned speakers.

AASB staff members are also on hand to directly answer questions or offer guidance.

Workshops are often offered prior to or shortly after AASB's spring and fall conferences, and each training year AASB hosts a “hot topic” regional
workshop in the northern and southern ends of the state. These workshops go deep on key education topics and are designed for school board members
who want to go beyond the basics. Members can also participate in webinars – seminars presented online and via telephone.

There is training specifically designed for whole school boards. And neighboring school boards, or other small groups, are encouraged to invite AASB
to present workshops for them. Credit hours are granted for most of these events. | Learn More

ABOUT AASB

The Alabama Association of School Boards has represented the state’s public local school boards since 1949. Our mission is to develop
excellent school board leaders through quality training, advocacy and services.